Busy, Busy, Busy

It's that time of year again. As a tax preparer, this is the time of year that I have to refresh myself on tax laws and learn the new ones. It's also the time that I study parts of the tax code that I hadn't looked at before so that my ability to do more complex returns improves. This will be my fifth year as an income tax preparer and I'm really looking forward to it. I love my job!!! Perhaps the most interesting and rewarding part of it is seeing the look on someone's face who came in scared thinking they were going to owe money and I find that one deduction they weren't aware of and get them a refund. Those smiles are always so nice to see.

Then, there's also my office leader. During the off season, she is my best friend and we hang out together. She even came on vacation with my girlfriend and I this past summer. What's really nice is the way that our friendship doesn't interfere with our roles at work. At the office, I don't expect any favors from her. I can easily divide her role as my manager and my best friend. They are two separate roles and I know when she needs to step out of the friend role for a while. Actually, it was the way she led the office that told me I wanted her as a friend. She's warm, tender, compassionate, and she really cares about people. She's not profit driven like some managers can be.

I also want to recognize my beautiful girlfriend. This will be the second tax season since we've been together. She also has to take on a real understanding role. During parts of the season, the hours can get late. Near the end of January through mid-February, there are all the clients who race in to get their refund as soon as possible. They have their W-2's and they don't have to worry about any other paperwork. During this time of year, we stay open as late as 10pm. Later yet if we have clients. Then, there's mid-April. This is when all the procrastinators come in and need to file before the deadline. More later hours. The last day of the season can be one of the latest. Through all of this, Dot has been very understanding and doesn't complain if I can't make it to see her at the time I planned on.

That's probably enough rambling for now. I just wanted to update everyone.